Question
What are the symptoms of neonatal umbilical inflammation?
Answer
The initial symptoms of neonatal umbilical inflammation typically manifest as a delayed healing of the umbilical cord after it has fallen off, sometimes accompanied by a red and swollen umbilical cord. A small granuloma surface or a small amount of mucus and purulent discharge can be seen in the central depression of the umbilicus. In severe cases, symptoms such as redness, fever, and pain may occur due to phlegmonous inflammation. As the infection worsens, there may be significant redness around the umbilicus with a large amount of purulent discharge. Gentle pressure on the umbilicus may cause pus to leak from the central depression, accompanied by an unpleasant odor. Generally, systemic symptoms are mild; if the infection spreads to the adjacent peritoneum causing peritonitis, patients may experience varying degrees of fever and an increased white blood cell count.